Why, I was down there the other day, and passed her
walking out with the Sisters and the other scholars, and she didn't
know me--though one of the Sisters did. But they're mum--THEY are,
and don't let on. Why, now I think of it, YOU were down there,
Jack, presiding in big style as Mr. Mayor at the exercises. You
must have noticed her. Little thing, about nine--lot of hair, the
same color as mine, and brown eyes. White and yellow sash. Had a
necklace on of real pearls I gave her. I BOUGHT THEM, you
understand, myself at Tucker's--gave two hundred and fifty dollars
for them--and a big bouquet of white rosebuds and lilacs I sent
her."
"I remember her now on the platform," said the Mayor gravely. "So
that is your child?"
"You bet--no slouch either. But that's neither here nor there.
What I want now is you and Harry to look after her and her property
the same as if I didn't live. More than that, as if I had NEVER
LIVED. I've come to you two boys, because I reckon you're square
men and won't give me away. But I want to fix it even firmer than
that. I want you to take hold of this trust not as Jack
Hammersley, but as the MAYOR OF SAN FRANCISCO! And when you make
way for a new Mayor, HE takes up the trust by virtue of his office,
you see, so there's a trustee all along.
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